folktale

noun

Definition of folktalenext
as in tale
a traditional description of imaginary events circulated orally among a people West African folktales that continue to be passed from generation to generation through storytelling

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of folktale From causing supernatural events to creating hysteria, our orbiting nightlight has always had legends and folktales written about it. — Taylor Grothe, Parents, 28 June 2026 Traditionally played on string instruments like the dulcimer, fiddle, and banjo, this distinctly twangy genre passed down religious hymns, ballads, and folktales through generations. — Hillary Richard, Travel + Leisure, 10 June 2026 Comprising more than 300 folktales and legends from northern Norway, including many from the coastal Sámi and the Skolt Sámi of eastern Finland, this anthology shares narratives told by fishers, farmers, reindeer herders, lay preachers and teachers. — Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 7 June 2026 Virginia Hamilton, The People Could Fly A collection of African American folktales rooted in oral tradition—stories carried across generations, shaped by memory, resistance, and imagination. — Edwin B. Maxwell, Literary Hub, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for folktale
Recent Examples of Synonyms for folktale
  1. tale
  2. legend
  3. story
  4. myth
  5. history
  6. romance
Noun
  • No two tales of what happened to Maelor after his knight protector was shot dead agree, but the young boy was also slain on the bridge, perhaps torn apart by the mob who assailed him, arguing over what to do with the young prince.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • This time, though, there’s more heavy metal influence — more guitar, more drums, more church organ, more attitude — to complement Cathedral’s grim tale.
    — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of tale
Noun
  • The Argentina team put out a statement announcing Jorge Messi's death at age 68, which said that the soccer legend will be attending a private memorial service.
    — Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 9 Aug. 2026
  • More for your Sunday Read The Sun’s decision to honor Alyssa Thomas as one of the franchise legends was a popular one.
    — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of legend
Noun
  • The week’s biggest stories Animal and pet sagas Big Bear celebrity eagle Shadow has been seen with a new eagle at the nest.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • As a preteen, I became absorbed in the life of Davy Crockett, Wild Bill Hickok and others through stories written for my age group.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of story
Noun
  • There are also myths about how to manage customer experiences designed to thrill customers.
    — Chip Bell, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The fact that such men are in short supply, and that this romanticized myth didn’t even remotely compare with the lives such men actually lived, is of little concern to today’s masculinists.
    — Michael Kimmel, Time, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of myth
Noun
  • Many thousands of international visitors are expected to descend on the city for what could become one of the largest eclipse gatherings in history.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Makhachev’s only loss in 30 career bouts came against Adriano Martins in October 2015, a result that has gone down as one of the most bewildering in UFC history with each passing Makhachev win.
    — Mark Puleo, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of history
Noun
  • With Prince George's first day at Eton approaching, the Prince and Princess of Wales are reportedly considering reviving the press truce that protected the early days of their own romance.
    — Séraphine Roger, Vanity Fair, 15 Aug. 2026
  • While Romy and Michele may still be in business together, Sorvino hinted that romance could be on the horizon for the longtime best friends.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of romance

Browse Nearby Words

folksy
folktale
folktales
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Cite this Entry

“Folktale.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/folktale. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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